A man with short blonde hair, a reddish beard, wearing a multicolored plaid short-sleeve shirt with a Carhartt logo, standing against a plain off-white wall.

Brandon Jones

Elizabethton, TN 37643 | (919) 770-3377 | JonesTheatricalDesigns@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/bjonesdesigns | jonestheatricaldesigns.com

Profile

Technical Director with extensive experience leading theatrical production, scenic construction, technical design, fabrication, and production operations. Proven success managing complex productions from concept through installation while balancing artistic vision, budget constraints, safety requirements, and production deadlines. Former United States Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant with a demonstrated record of leadership, risk management, team development, and operational planning in high-pressure environments. Skilled in scenic engineering, automation systems, CAD drafting, fabrication technologies, and cross-functional team leadership.

Professional Experience

BARTER THEATRE | Abingdon, VA | Technical Director | August 2020 – December 2024

• Directed technical operations for a professional regional theatre producing more than 20 productions annually across multiple performance venues.

• Managed a production department of 10 full-time personnel, including scenic carpenters, scenic painters, an Assistant Technical Director, stage carpenter, and stagehands, while coordinating overhire labor and specialty contractors as needed.

• Oversaw approximately $500,000 in annual production expenditures, including labor, materials, equipment, and show-specific construction costs.

• Led operations of a 9,600-square-foot scene shop and 8,000-square-foot paint facility, ensuring efficient workflow, equipment utilization, and adherence to safety standards.

• Collaborated with directors, designers, and production staff to transform artistic concepts into safe, practical, and budget-conscious technical solutions.

• Produced and reviewed construction drawings, fabrication plans, engineering details, and installation documentation utilizing AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Fusion 360, and SketchUp.

• Engineered, fabricated, and supervised installation of complex scenic systems including automated turntables, specialty stage mechanisms, performer effects, and custom scenic automation solutions.

• Successfully engineered and executed multiple large-scale turntable builds and retrofits, extending equipment life while improving reliability and production flexibility.

• Served as lead engineer and project manager for the technical execution of The Play That Goes Wrong, developing and implementing complex scenic failures, collapses, and controlled effects while maintaining performer safety and production consistency.

• Managed production schedules, material procurement, shop operations, and installation logistics to ensure all productions were delivered on schedule and within budget.

• Implemented process improvements and technical best practices that increased shop efficiency, strengthened interdepartmental collaboration, and improved overall production delivery.

• Maintained an exceptional safety culture through risk assessment, training, equipment maintenance programs, and enforcement of industry best practices.

BARTER THEATRE | Abingdon, VA | Scenic Carpenter | January 2018 – August 2020

• Constructed and installed scenic elements for diverse seasons of theatrical productions.
• Interpreted technical drawings and collaborated with the technical director and designers to achieve artistic objectives while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
• Built complex scenic units, mobile stage pieces, and multi-use scenic components for repertory and touring productions.
• Assisted with scenic automation, stage mechanics, and technical problem-solving during production builds.
• Maintained OSHA-compliant work practices and contributed to a strong culture of workplace safety.

BARTER THEATRE | Abingdon, VA | Scenic Carpenter Intern| August 2017 – December 2017

• Assisted scenic construction teams with fabrication, assembly, installation, and maintenance of production scenery.
• Developed proficiency in theatrical construction methods, shop practices, and production workflows.

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS | Platoon Sergeant | March 2009 – April 2021

• Led, mentored, and developed teams of up to 40 personnel in high-pressure operational and training environments.
• Planned and coordinated complex missions, training exercises, and logistical operations while maintaining strict accountability standards.
• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to ensure personnel safety and mission success.
• Managed equipment accountability, maintenance programs, and operational readiness requirements.
• Developed junior leaders through coaching, instruction, performance evaluation, and professional mentorship.
• Facilitated after-action reviews and process-improvement initiatives that enhanced team effectiveness and organizational readiness.
• Served in progressively responsible leadership positions including Team Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Company-Level Intelligence Cell leadership roles.

• Military Occupational Specialties:  MOS 0351 Assaultman, MOS 0311 Rifleman, MOS 0933 Combat Marksmanship Coach

Education

B.A. in Theatre | 2017 | East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

B.A. In Criminal Justice and Criminology | 2017 | East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Technical Proficiencies

Software:  AutoCAD • Vectorworks • Fusion 360 • SketchUp • SpikeMark • Microsoft Office Suite

Fabrication & Engineering:  CNC Routing • MIG Welding • Scenic Automation • Mechanical Fabrication • Performer Flying Systems • Counterweight Fly Systems • Turntable Engineering • Trap Systems

Equipment:  Forklifts • Telehandlers • Boom Lifts • Scissor Lifts • Skid Steers • Box Trucks (Manual & Automatic Transmissions) • Scaffolding Systems • Chain Hoists

Professional Strengths

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through demanding production schedules.
• Strong balance of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and operational leadership.
• Extensive experience managing complex projects under strict deadlines.
• Committed to safety, craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement.